Monument record MKE127218 - Post-medieval dew pond (or sole pond), visible on the 2nd edition Ordnance Survey map

Dew pond (or sole pond), visible on the 2nd edition Ordnance Survey map. Recorded during 2024 Kent Downs National Landscape Historic Ponds project.
Preservation:Whole pond clearly visible on current OS/LIDAR
Pond shape:Circular/oval
Site type: Dew pond (or sole pond)
Description: Sole pond - seen on the ground and is seasonal, but is not mapped on the OS 2nd Edition 1899-1900 here, but is mapped on the 1897-1900 edition and modern OS! Clear on the 1m LiDAR.
Recorded date: 14/10/2024 (1)


Investigations were carried out at the site in 2025 comprising a desk-based assessment, field visit, and a hand auger survey. The feature appeared to have been established during either the late 17th century, or, more likely, the early 18th century based on OS mapping. It was seen to measure around 11m in length by 9m in width on historic maps of the site
The augering survey identified a series of silt and clay pond sediments containing plant macroremains and with dark grey colouration indicating potential anaerobic conditions. Environmental analysis of the auger sample was carried out which revealed the "presence of semi-aquatic taxa [including] water-crowfoots, water-starworts and sweet-grasses, suggesting a semi-permanent water body was present. There is evidence for the surrounding landscape being mixed woodland, including hornbeam, beech and birch, which are still present in the landscape surrounding the pond today" (from the original report, 2).
A trackway was identified to the north of the pond, consisting of an earthen bank and mound of material. This may be a path marked on the 4th edition and modern OS maps. (2)

<1> Kent Downs AONB Unit, 2025, Historic Ponds Project dataset (Digital archive). SKE58454.

<2> Wessex Archaeology, 2025, (Draft) North Downs Heritage Ponds Project Phase 1 Report (Unpublished document). SKE58669.